Computer vision method for improved automated image capture and analysis of rapid diagnostic test devices

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments are generally directed to improving feature detection of rapidly acquired images using camera-enabled mobile devices involving a 2-D decal code, such as a QR code, for improving the reading accuracy of a rapid diagnostic antigen or antibody or enzymatic colorimetric directed test, such as for COVID-19 diagnosis. One primary issue with evaluating a Covid-19 rapid test is detecting and quantifying positive test lines from sampled test strips based on digital images of the test strip. Aspects of the present invention contemplate masking a QR code to improve the sample image resolution and contrast. Other aspects of the present invention contemplate methods and techniques to evaluate a test line on the sample image by enhancing an intensity curve along the test line and control line containing area by way of calculating the instantaneous change in pixel intensity and evaluating the position and intensity of those signals.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This U.S. Patent Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 055,275 entitled COMPUTER VISION METHOD FOR IMPROVED AUTOMATED IMAGE CAPTURE AND ANALYSIS OF RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST DEVICES, filed on Jul. 22, 2020.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present embodiments are directed generally to image capture systems where obscuring a Quick Response Code with a mask to improve resolution and / or contrast of an image during image acquisition is accomplished using camera-enabled mobile devices or computers.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]It is to innovations related to this subject matter that the claimed invention is generally directed.[0004]The year 2020 is distinguished as the year of the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting every corner of the globe. The stunning efficiency in infection rate of this airborne virus is forcing humankind to alter otherwise normal behavior. Covid-19 causes long-term organ damage...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present embodiments are directed to improving the sensitivity and accuracy of rapid biological tests that may be combined with a QR code as a means for automatically capturing an image of an active biological test sample by effectively reducing the contrast of the QR code, thus obscuring the QR code to the camera while still allowing the QR code information to be processed by the device.

[0009]While other certain embodiments of the present invention imagine a mobile touchscreen computing device comprising: a touchscreen; a digital camera; non-transitory memory; a computer processor; a QR code detection algorithm that locates a QR code displayed on a planar surface, focuses the digital camera on the QR code, acquires an image of the QR code with at least a region extending beyond the QR code with the digital camera, the region including a biologically activated test line region; a QR code obscuring algorithm that partially inhibits (masks) only the QR code, but not the region to the QR code detection algorithm, the QR code obscuring algorithm reduces efficacy of the QR code detection algorithm.

Problems solved by technology

Fear of this disease is halting movement across borders, stalling economies throughout the world, and changing the way humankind interacts with one another.

One major obstacle to FDA approval is the lack of simple to use rapid tests where the results can be quantified and interpreted with a high degree of sensitivity.

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